Zambia's Win Goes Long Way

By Matt Leff

There were feelings of tension, triumph and serenity out on the pitch in Libreville, Gabon late Sunday night. The 22-year old Zambian defender, Stophira Sunzu, faced a penalty kick that would not only take down the favored Ivory Coast Elephants, but would give Zambia  its first African Cup victory ever. Sunzu came through and Zambia won 8–7 in penalty kicks, finally overcoming the Elephants and a championship drought after 120 minutes of scoreless play. 

After the win, the Zambian team circled up on the field, and knelt in prayer to honor their teammates that passed away 19 years ago in a plane crash not far from the field where Sunday's game was played. On its way to a World Cup qualifier against Senegal, the Zambian plane that the team was traveling on exploded after taking off, killing all 30 passengers and crew onboard. An entire generation of players was wiped out in the accident, leaving both the nation and the world speechless. 

Since then, the team has met little success — they have never even reached a World Cup, and were ranked 71st in the world heading into the game. Zambia Head Coach Herve Renard acknowledged the significance of Sunday's victory. "There was a sign of destiny, a force within us. Maybe it was meant to be," Renard said. "I can't explain it. Honestly, I can't explain it. Something was written in the stars."

Both sides had multiple chances to score in regulation on Sunday night, but none could be finished. The Elephants' standout attacker Gervais Yao Kouassi, better known as Gervinho, found space and was streaking down the right side when he got tripped up by two Zambian defenders. This set up a penalty for striker Didier Drogba, arguably the best player on the field. Drobga looked to be in position to put Ivory Coast ahead, but Zambia exhaled when Drogba swung the shot over the cross bar. With new life, Zambia fought hard, and was able to send the game to extra time with some key saves from goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene late in the match. 

The penalty shootout was tied 7-7 and had become a sudden death situation when Arsenal's Gervinho blasted his attempt over the net, giving Zambia yet another chance to seal the victory. This time, Sunzu finished clinically, and the Zambians rejoiced with their first African Cup victory.

The win showed a spirit of dedication, and brought honor to all the fallen Zambian players as well as the nation itself. "There was just something about it," Mweene said. "With the tournament being here in Gabon we wanted to take part to honor those who were lost to our country. That made it extra special." Playing in "honor of the memories" of the team that died in 1993, the 2012 Zambian national team brought the African Cup to Zambia for the first time, giving their team, past teammates and nation the best gift possible. 

Matt Leff is a contributing writer for the Sports section.